This article provides a list of some of the fish species that if you happen to catch, have the potential to land you in trouble with the law. The regulations governing fishing usually change from time to time, which is important that you confirm if there is an updated list once in a while.
If you decide to go fishing, a license may be required. This is, however, an exception for those who fish in ponds or other structures attached to the land. But even with the license, there are still other fish species that are completely illegal to catch.
Most of them are usually the endangered species. Actually, 5% of the fish species we have today are endangered. The main factors contributing to the reduction of these species are habitat loss, diseases and pollution. To help you catch the biggest fish, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best depth finders here.
Some of the fish species that are completely illegal to catch include:
#1. Morone Americana
This type of fish species can thrive in different types of environments. Naturally, Morone Americana breed in brackish water. But even when it is possible to breed the fish in different types of environments, it is still illegal to possess or import the fish without a permit. This happens in a number of US states, including Indiana.
#2. Bonytail Chub
This is also among the list of the most endangered fish species, and a rare one too. The fish are found in the Colorado River and can be described as having large fins and a pencil-thin streamlined body.
Bonytail Chub was included in the list of the endangered fish species the 80s. They are actually very little in number and there is fear that the fish species can become extinct in North America if fishing them is permitted.
#3. Yaqui Catfish
This type of fish species show no signs of increasing in number, and some sources even indicated that the fish species would become extinct by 2018. Efforts have been put in place to ensure that the species remain alive, and this includes prohibiting any form of fishing.
#4. Humpback Chub
The fish are small in size, have small eyes and compressed skull. The fish species has been in the list of endangered species for quite some time, but since their population is becoming stable, the government is expected to remove Humpback Chub from the endangered species list to a threatened species.
If the numbers increase, they may be available to the public again. But before then, the fish type is still protected by the law, and it is completely illegal to be in possession of the Humpback Chub fish species.
#5. Beautiful Shiner
The fish is small in size and silvery in color. Both its scales and eyes are large. It is also among the threatened fish species. The number of Beautiful Shiner fish species has been constantly on the decrease.
The drastic changes to their habitat, excessive underground water pumping, dam constructions and water diversion have greatly contributed to the decrease in the population. In the state of Virginia, a special permit is required to import, sell or be in possession of this fish.
#6. Razorback Sucker
Just like the Humpback Chub, Razorback Sucker species are expected to be removed from the list of endangered species to threatened species. Biologists, including Navajo Fisheries and have greatly contributed to this change of state.
The fish do not look very attractive, but this has not stopped people from ensuring that these fish species still survive. Organizations are working together to provide a conducive environment for the Razorback Sucker fish species to breed and increase in population.
This includes the removal of predators, restoring of water flow among others. With a favorable environment, the fish is expected to live for up to 40 years. They feed on plant matter and insects. The fish were classified as endangered species in 1973, and they are still protected by the law.
#7. Devils Hole Pupfish
The fish species, which are native to Nevada, are also in the list of endangered species, which means that it is illegal to kill, or even be in possession of the fish. Currently, they are about 100 in number. They were included in the list of endangered fish species in the late 60s.